Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Dec 8, 2011 13:36:57 GMT -5
Daidoji Ryo's scouts had found a trail heading towards the coast, and the small force of men and women were now following it. It wasn't too difficult to miss, as the destruction was highly noticeable, but what Hitoshi had trouble with was distinguishing the signs of what the oni had killed from everything else. He was grateful to the veteran trackers who had managed to decipher the puzzle, as he knew that he would never have been able to have done so himself.
One of the two shugenja accompanying him, Asahina Chikaku, cleared her throat to get his attention. "Hitoshi-sama, I am not sure how much we will be able to aid you in this battle. Whatever happened here released a number of kansen, so we will need to be careful in imploring the kami to ensure not to attract their attention instead. However, we will do our best." Hitoshi looked troubled, but nodded in acquiescence.
He surveyed his troops; as well as the two shugenja, they were a mixture of his own original Kakita elite unit, Sojiro's archers, a few Tsuruchi, two Yoritomo bushi, a handful of the Yasuki house guard, and the Daidoji he had brought with him from Kyuden Doji. We certainly have versatility on our side, he thought wryly.
A message came back from the front of the column. The scouts believed they were getting close to the resting place of the oni. As he contemplated a plan of attack, Hitoshi felt the air about him grow cold. "Allying with the Crab? With the Yasuki? For all you know one of them could be the one with my blade you ungrateful child!" Hitoshi did his best to ignore the presence of his grandfather, but the spirit wouldn't relent, continually berating the young Crane about his failings until at last he seemed satisfied and disappeared.
Although he kept his face neutral, Hitoshi felt a cold lump in his heart at his grandfather's disapproval. It was the last thing he needed before the upcoming struggle, but they had arrived at a section of the beach where the very sand itself had been blackened. Not far away he could see a Mantis war vessel and a small rowing boat returning towards the shore. The oni was close, he could feel it in his gut.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 8, 2011 14:05:03 GMT -5
Quarim smiled at the honesty of Daichi. Here was a man he could deal with.
"My purpose is very simple, I seek to make a profit. If both the Crane and the Mantis are pleased with my results then I will use the acclaim during Winter Court to raise prices and make even more money. In addition the Crane set the style of the Empire if I can convince them to promote my goods I will make a large profit from this endevour."
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 8, 2011 14:32:43 GMT -5
"Money, if there could be anything more neutral. Daichi let out a small laugh, as his mind turned. A profiteer, a goods runner, narrows the world as to where he was from but still to many possibilities.
"Maybe in another life, but you see the spirits have use for money, so I leave that to others. We shall see how well you work. Come should see how our honored guest is." He said turning and heading towards the captain's quarters where the kakita daimyo was being held.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 8, 2011 19:37:04 GMT -5
OCC: Feeling like a Thundercat!
Mitsouko was in deep meditation trying to focus and gather the necessary strength for everything was waiting for her in the early future. No much more to do besides dying honorlessly in a Mantis deck. When a single image came to her mind. Nushi… her sword. It was calling her. She opened her eyes, dilated pupils, in communion with her nemuranai. Yes. It’s not the end... she whispered to herself, a flash of hope to find a path into her turned dark destiny. But Mitsouko no Oni, in its pit, woke up with Mitsouko’s sudden change of mood. Mitsouko felt its malice… Inside her mind, the humming of blades cutting air. Oni no Mitsouko was fully awaken now, waiting… Oh f…! The Kakita daimyo raised, pursed lips, feeling a caged animal. How can we defeat something that knows and senses what I sense? No response, just a feeling of be in the presence of someone evil, smirking condescendingly at your stupidity… The cut of light behind the door announced her visitors.
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Yasuki Chad
Crane Clan
Crab Clan
*Crab Clan Courtier *Experienced *Samurai *Daimyo *Hero *Experienced *Commander
Posts: 476
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Post by Yasuki Chad on Dec 8, 2011 22:33:52 GMT -5
"Be on your guard," Yasuki Chad intoned, his blade out and covered in a green paste. No sooner had the words left his mouth when a Shriek pierced the air around them. The sound was almost inaudible, but hearing it tore the soul and left a few of the Samurai convulsing on the ground, blood pouring from sightless eyes and ruined ears. A section of the black sand exploded out, casting choking dust in all directions, and though the sound of something massive and multi-legged scraping the sand reverbrated across the beach, the dark and sand prevented any from looking upon it.
WWwhhhhhiiiiiiiirrrrrr........Squish. A scream....
The whistling of something cutting the air, followed by a fleshy thump and scream of pain, informed everyone that Mitsouko-no-Oni was not impaired by a lack of vision.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 8, 2011 23:33:11 GMT -5
Quarim followed Daichi into the room then quickly stepped around him in a movement that was quick and practiced. It was the move of someone who had seen battle, not a simple merchant. The lack of balance from never being at sea before seemed to have instantly vanished. He placed himself in the middle of the room between the two samurai. He spread his hands out to his sides; an offer of peace showing he had no weapons. Without waiting to see how Daichi would react he spoke to Lady Kakita
Greetings Kakita Mitsouko, I am Quarim. I am attempting to negotiate a peace between the Mantis and Crane in this situation if you will allow me to do so. I am of course neutral in this matter. Your courtier has delayed matters until morning. If you agree however we can continue without their consent. I'm sure you realize the longer a peace takes to form the more life will be lost especially on a terrible night like tonight I'm sure no one would care for that. May we proceed?
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Post by Asahina Yuuto on Dec 9, 2011 1:12:32 GMT -5
Yuuto meditates on the choices presented to him by Agasha Shodai, the consequences flashing upon the horizon of his eyes; every potential failure flaming to intensity within his thoughts. Diplomacy or deception? Yuuto could feel the brush dripping the story from his trembling hand; his stomach twisted at the thought of being able to determine future relations of two clans with the choices presented him. Is this the power to determine destiny? For the first time, the humble Asahina could appreciate the burden of command. His soul gives into a creative stance to form the appropriate strokes, chaos becoming orderly, the picture painted pushing him to certainty.
“No…” his eyes darting in several directions as he realizes the public nature of his statement. With greater authority he declares to the Master of Void, head shaking and brow wrinkling, “We will behave honorably; whether I rationalize these Mantis away as fishmongers, pirates, or even rebels – the fact remains – in my encounters with their clan, they have consistently proven themselves to be the most honorable men I’ve met in this war.”
Stroking his chin, a tone of sincerity in his voice, he continues, “we’ve been put into a position of desperation,” a pause setting into his speech, “much like the desperation that allowed some to sacrifice their Emperor for the allure of the Toturi’s banner; or the desperation that found opportunity in the bruised pride of a decorated crane bushi. A desperation that ultimately destroyed his legacy, and convinced a Daimyo to indulge in similar recklessness to her detriment.
The shugenja takes a turn towards the Master, a calm expression on his eyes, and a desire to ease the fire inside the Master of Void, “I have no doubt that on our best day, if need be, we could convince the kami to drag the entire Mantis fleet under the waves – on a good day – but what do we lose by doing so? Do we lose the credibility of our good will? Do we sacrifice any cooperation with the Mantis in the future? What will razor tongues paint upon the public face of our Lady Kakita?” Yuuto releases a sigh, steadying his words to not be caught up in the emotion of his thoughts. His decision was clear, the shugenja would trust in the delegation of diplomats.
“We will put our skills to task preparing the ritual,” motioning for Hatsune’s attention, “Hatsune-san, please relay a message to the delegation to keep us informed. We will not pursue more desperate options until all other avenues are exhausted.”
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Post by Asahina Timaru on Dec 9, 2011 1:19:54 GMT -5
At Hitoshi's side Timaru surveyed the devastation around him with wrathful disapproval. A low growl escaped his throat, sending the air kami following him around into a frenzy of activity, the wind around him picking up in strength.
"This is what this war has come to. Oni and kansen in Crane lands. Weakness and corruption in our midst. No more"
Timaru began a prayer to the kami, the air spirits accompanying him lifting him into the air.
"Keep Hitoshi-san safe, Chikaku. I will survey the area from above. I can feel the beast coming. Be pepared."
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Doji Naetaru
Crane Clan
Doji Daimyo - Courtier - Otomo Twin
Posts: 687
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Post by Doji Naetaru on Dec 9, 2011 3:46:02 GMT -5
The small rowboat managed to arrive on shore. Doji Hikaru jumped off the boat with ease and paced hurriedly towards the Crane contingent. Moments passing, he had to find the officials and inform them of the current status of the negotiations. Quickly was he past the guards and as soon as possible he was among the Crane company.
"Konban-wa samas, I am Doji Hikaru, emissary of Doji Naetaru. I was sent to carry words of negotiations to the Mantis. I spoke vibrantly with both the Yoritomo and the Kitsune daimyos among the presence of one of their gaijin advisors."
He looked around, he dared not carry on with the message until he regarded the people present.
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Kakita Mitsouko
Crane Clan Mod
::Daimyo::Kenshinzen::Hatamoto of Crane Clan::Paragon of Duty
Posts: 1,952
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Post by Kakita Mitsouko on Dec 9, 2011 4:10:49 GMT -5
Mitsouko sternly analyzed them both while Quarim was speaking:
Greetings...Kwaru...attempting...Mantis...situation...neutral.... be lied…matters…morning…blablabla…consent…blabla…piece…tonight….maidweedproceed?
A gaijin, from the west? And this Kitsune…she read his mon… the Kitsune Daimyo. Daichi-san? She had heard how honorable he was. She knew he organized fleets to transport refugees from Lonely Shore City. She sighed heavily:
I am not hearing you both, sama. Not completely. I was almost struck by thunder, what may be numbed my sense. I cannot discuss anything with you Daichi-san. Sorry Kwaru. I cannot rely in my ears. She said, serious and apparently calm. I strongly advise you to release me. I will ensure you will have a compensation for your losses in the beach. And it is because you,Daichi sama, and some others, Masamoto-san, Manji-san are the other only names I know about, were worthy of my trust and respect. I have important matters to deal now, I am sure you understand.
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Post by Asahina Timaru on Dec 9, 2011 5:46:05 GMT -5
From his perch in the sky above the battle, Timaru's stern face turned to watch the abomination below him. Calling upon the air kami to for a shield of air around himself, he began a prayer to the spirits of earth to strike down the demon with jade.
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Kakita Hitoshi
Crane Clan
Be more concerned with good actions than great ones
Posts: 306
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Post by Kakita Hitoshi on Dec 9, 2011 9:49:30 GMT -5
(OOC: Sorry - missed a couple of posts earlier, hence why I deleted my previous one!)
As the sand cloud gradually cleared, the hideous monstrosity was at last revealed. Twelve insect-like legs supported it's enormous bulk, whilst four spiny arms ended in hands and cruel talons. On top of its torso was a pale head; a mockery of the beautiful woman whose name it sought to take. Mitsouko-no-oni's mouth opened in another screaming challenge, showing row upon row of razor sharp teeth.
As beams of jade light lanced from Timaru's hands, stabbing into the creature and causing it to roar with fury, the men on the ground advanced. The shifting sands beneath their feet had put paid to Hitoshi's initial plan of trying to pin it to the ground with yari so they began with a shower of arrows, most of which glanced off its warty hide or stuck there like small pins.
"Spread out!" shouted Hitoshi, "Try not to form easy targets!" The bushi advanced as the creature in front of them whirled with frightening speed and lashed out sending a knot of men flying through the air, until at last they crashed to the ground like broken dolls. Hitoshi, accompanied by a handful of Daidoji who had drawn ono and no-dachi and Asahina Chikaku, tried to flank the creature but it was continually moving and it proved impossible.
"Any suggestions Chad-sama?" he called across to the Yasuki. He wondered if they felt the same fear as he did, or if they had become numb from their duties on the Wall.
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Kitsune Poxo
Mantis Clan
Mantis Clan | Shugenja | Earth | Thunder | Kitsune Blooded | Naval | Daimyo | Unique
Posts: 225
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Post by Kitsune Poxo on Dec 9, 2011 10:15:06 GMT -5
Daichi eyed the gaijin after his move. Yet more thoughts trailed across his mind. More layers, something sits at the core that I am not sure dealing with shall be good for either side...
Once he fully entered the room he bowed deeply like a peasant would to one of his station. Then finally for the first time this battle he actually introduced himself. Though he knew the one he was truly telling could hardly make out he was saying. "I am Kitsune Daichi, Daimyo of the Kitsune Family."
He then turned to the gaijin and while he spoke he pulled out a scroll case from within his clothes. He reveled parchment, a brush, and ink. "Hearing loss, while that delay things, it is not uncommon when thunder is involved. Suppose this means talks have to wait."
Laying the parchment out he started to write a message. His strokes where well practiced and to a point of beauty. "I am glad to finally meet you in pearson, unfortunatly, it has to be under such circumstances. Your hearing should be temporary, as such if you don't mind, I shall use this method for you to understand me fully till then. While I wish to release you it is not fully in my hands, and even then I do not wish to release you so close to the oni. Please remain calm as I am sure you are tied to it even now. I can assure you I will not allow you to be mistreated during your stay.
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quarim
Dragon Clan
Merchant*Qolat*Gaijin
Posts: 334
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Post by quarim on Dec 9, 2011 10:34:21 GMT -5
Quarim knelt down across from Mitsouko. She was not well. He briefly read the parchment as she did. Then it all made sense. The Crane were delaying negotiations. They should have been trying to expediate them. The Mantis were offering a surrender, they were looking to return an important hostage, and were safer at sea than the Crane on land. It made no sense until now.
You can sense the oni's connection to her? She is the target? I believe you have been set up. I believe the Crane wish to allow the oni to kill Lady Kakita and your vessel and all aboard with it. It is the only thing that makes sense. Why else would they delay peace talks? If they planned on stopping it they may suffer more losses putting them at a weaker stance while bartering for Lady Kakakita's freedom, but if you were to suffer the loss...
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Yoritomo Raiden
Mantis Clan Mod
Mantis Clan - Shugenja - Water - Thunder - Damiyo - Not Kolat
Posts: 437
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Post by Yoritomo Raiden on Dec 9, 2011 10:37:10 GMT -5
Raiden watched as Hikaru was halfway back to the Crane occupied shore and contemplated just blasting the row boat out of the water. Ultimately after heavy consideration he held his hand. He grasped the railing hard and felt really irritated from the turn of events. Raiden thought long and hard on the events.
The Mantis were in a good position they were winning! The thunder shugenja had all the troops fighting three times as hard as any other bushi could and the lightning strikes were pushing back the Crane defenses. Someone on their side had sold his soul to summon a unclaimed oni, an oni with no name. The oni's destruction ravaged both sides, but the Mantis had no castle to hide in. We were forced to return to the ships. Now the Crane claim victory. Really? I wonder if they will celebrate afterwards? One man sells their soul and the rest in the clan rejoice in the results. Cranes always so prideful, HA! Afterall almost all the famous lost were former Cranes. All they need is a little push to fall into oblivion. Maybe its something in the water in the Crane lands.
Raiden chuckled silently to himself after thinking of the situation. He waved his hand to summon his Watchmen. Quickly he ran over to see what Raiden needed, he bowed almost letting his forehead rest on the planks of the ship.
"Send a message out to the fleet. The Crane may send a party to extract our honored guest. Make sure there are triple sentries, also the Asahina are renown for their use of air magic. Make sure our own shugenja report ANYTHING out of the ordinary, double shifts for all the shugenja. Finally any flaming flying elemental masters start flying to the fleet I want every Moshi, Kitsune, and Yoritomo shugenja to hit it with every lightning bolt, wind blast, earth strike, and fire blast til there is only compressed ash left in this reality. No man can take a entire fleets magically assualt, not even a elemental master!"
The watchman's eyes widened thinking of the spectacle that could be and then he ran off to signal the fleet. Raiden turned and faced the castle, and manipulated the kami to send a message himself to the Crane.
"This is Yoritomo Raiden, the Damiyo of the Yoritomo. Your diplomat just left and has delayed settling this situation until tomorrow morning. I do not want to wait through a night with this oni is still out there. So I will first share a bit of information with you, The small patch of woods near the coastline is where it is. Keep your men away from that area, I do not want to see anymore mens souls be shredded by this abomination. I need to know how this thing was summoned and who did it. I can work a ritual here to take away its hold on our honored guest if you can share that with me. I know it was a crane who let this thing loose, I don't care pride is not a concern of mine now only saving souls. The Mantis formally are done here, The battle is over after this situation is through we will leave. Hopfully we can work out a treaty and deal so that Kourin-sama wont feel the need to send us back here. What say you? Is there anyone there that has the authority to talk with me to hammer this out right now so we can end this foul thing?"
Raiden sent out the spell and knew this would be the last contact with the Crane their response would dictate what he would do next. As Rasien stood looking out at the castle a robed woman showing no heraldry walked next to him. She was beautiful by all rights, and carried herself as a warrior trying to hide her lethality. She looked at him skeptically.
"Ahhhhhh Nemu, how are you enjoying your cruise?" Raiden sounded jesting
"Raiden-sama it seems this dealing is going awry. Are you sure that profit will be made from this event?" Nemu was straightforward in her inquiry.
"Indeed Nemu, you remember hearing that conspiracy theory about someone making this happen to distract the Crane. Well we have been paid a fortune to make this distraction happen, anything the Crane give us is just extra profit! The oni was a unfortunate x factor though, but we will adapt." Raiden smiled very wide and winked at Nemu. "If you will excuse me I have a Crane Daimyo to speak with."
Raiden walked down into the bowls of the ship disappearing from Nemu's sight. She thought for a moment that the situation was lost but it appears Master Coin has plots within plots.
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